I was not a widow when I wrote Once Upon A Christmas. So much I did not know then about facing life on my own. Now I find the heart knew things that my mind did not, and I captured widowhood well with Olivia Pritchett. Still, I don’t have quite the gumption Olivia displays. I’ve little doubt that is one reason I love her so–I created her with attributes I would wish to have myself. I’ve little doubt that is a large part of why any of us read fiction. In fiction we can be and do things far beyond ourselves. I think fiction is inspiring in that way. Well, at least fiction that reflects the highest we have in any of us.
Once Upon A Christmas is just fun and sweet and a good way to rest yourself from pressures of the season. I was thrilled to enjoy reading it after years of being forgotten. First published in the 1993 Harlequin Historical Christmas anthology, copies are long gone. I’m delighted to have it offered again in ebook. Get yourself a cup of Christmas tea and give it a read.
God bless us everyone!
Once Upon A Christmas, by Curtiss Ann Matlock
Upon arriving on the rough Texas Frontier, with her two sons and a trunk full of dreams for a new life, Olivia Pritchett discovers the man she was to marry has died. The prospect of the long trip back from where she came, to make her boys spend Christmas traveling, is too painful to face. With all her strength, she prevails upon her fiancé’s partner to allow her and her boys to see the place where they had pinned all their hopes, and to be able to spend at least Christmas at the ranch that was to be her home.
Monroe Locket wants no part of a widow-woman mail-order bride, nor her snot-nosed boys. He can’t manage to deny her, however, and nothing he does seems to daunt her. Olivia is one determined woman, who makes biscuits better than any two angels trying hard in heaven, and who manages to bring Christmas right along with her.
Curtiss Ann Matlock 
Congratulations! You inspire me to be more daring with my own creative projects. Wishing you a wonderful Holiday season and very prosperous New Year.
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Sounds interesting
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This sounds like another wonderful story from my favorite author. I can’t wait to read it.
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You are such a strong, thoughtful woman. As I go through my own hard time–though not so profound and life-altering as yours–I will recall hownyou navigate with such grace. To be thankful for the parts of the roof that don’t leak is to truly live in gratitude. I will remember that the next time I am at Home Depot, struggling to figure how to “do it myself.” Thank you for your wonderful, hopeful books and this blog.
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Dear sweet Linda, thank you for your encouraging message. Hard times are just hard times, and my heart goes out to you. I pass along a tip from writer Cait London: get the book ‘How to Fix Anything, in and around the house’. It is a Reader’s Digest book, I think. I found used copies on Amazon. We need to be educated. My husband did everything, I hardly had to ask twice. Thus I sort of thought nothing ever went wrong around the house. Boy, am I getting an eye-opener. But we can do this. We can do whatever God has us do. And we can ask for help until we get someone to help us. Sending big hugs
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Congratulations on your new book. Looking forward to reading….
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Dear CurtissAnn, forever author,
Congratulations and love to you as you release new creativity to us. I will read this over the holidays. My intention mandala for 2014 will include my first Ebook to be compiled, written, proofed and completed and on amazon.com. I intend to offer selections of Napkinwriter essays, culled out by category, as a short glimpse of me, what I think about, who I am as child, daughter, wife, mother and grandmother, what I hope for my loved ones and our world, as I step over the threshold of age 70 into 71. The techy part daunts me a bit.
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{{{{Hugs}}}} on your loss. The cover is simply gorgeous. I can’t wait to read it.
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I will buy one, Sweetheart. ❤
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Love your stories!! Made my Amazon purchase a few moments ago! My prayers are w/ you as you face this holiday season w/o your beloved. I lost my mother earlier this year, so it will be a little sadder for me,too.
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I am so very sorry, dear friend, for the loss of your mother. I did understand loss in the past, and I had compassion for others, but not like I know it today. May we find memories comforting.
Hugs, CurtissAnn
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A new book from you – what a great Christmas and thanksgiving gift combined!!
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Curtis Ann, I’m looking forward to reading your novella. I just got a Kindle but I haven’t had a chance to use it. But hopefully things will slow down soon and I’ll become familiar with my new Kindle.
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I just got my Mama a new Kindle, and now I do see what everyone loves. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
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I have enjoyed all your books and look forward to this one.
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Could not wait. Already went to Amazon and placed my order. Now must run downstairs and turn on the wireless ! 🙂 Look forward t reading Once Upon a Christmas !!
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Oh, cousin, you made me laugh. I hope the story makes you laugh!
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I downloaded the sample to my kindle iphone app & I’m nearly finished already! I’ve been reading all evening (except when I was on the treadmill lol) and would Love to read the entire novella! Thanks so much for the chance to win!
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Don’t you just love the sample feature?! I know you read a lot of good books, and I’m honored you want to read mine. XxxOooo CA
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I just finished The Loves of Ruby Dee,I found I couldn’t put it down,I enjoyed it so very much.My daughter is now reading it.She actually got me started reading your books,she gave Cold Tea on a Hot Afternoon and I was hooked on your wonderful books.
I truly look foward to seeing your posts in my email.I know you are going thru a difficult time,but you words bring such joy and comfort,you truly have a wonderful way with words.Rereading If Wishes were Horses.
Kathy
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I am so proud of you and the accomplishment of seeing the project completed!
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Have been waiting for a new book!
Love your blog.
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love this!!!
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